Hadley Finance Committee Reviews Library, DPW Budgets With No Votes Taken

HADLEY — April 9, 2025 — Hadley Finance Committee hears warnings on library staffing, DPW fleet, and dike grant eligibility. The committee met April 9 to review FY26 budgets for the Hadley Public Library and the Department of Public Works, taking no formal votes. Library Director Patrick told the panel that hourly patron traffic has nearly doubled since 2019, from 9.8 to 18 patrons per hour, while full-time equivalent staffing rose only from 3.5 to 4.0 positions; a request for additional hours was described as "dead on arrival" given town finances. Library Board of Trustees Chair Lynn Latham said the library relies on volunteers for tasks that paid staff handle elsewhere, warning that any hit to the staffing line would be "detrimental." DPW Director Scott flagged chronic breakdowns in the town's International-brand sand trucks — one was towed to a dealership twice during snow events this winter — and said a requested $200,000 road maintenance line was not funded, leaving the department "living off Chapter 90." Town Administrator Mike called the elimination of the dike maintenance budget line "really bad timing," noting that state and federal officials have signaled Hadley must show active dike upkeep to compete for grants covering repairs estimated at $1 million to $2 million immediately and up to $75 million for full rehabilitation.